Online petition surpasses 1,000 signatures

Published: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 at 6:01 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, January 24, 2007 at 11:05 a.m.

An online petition aimed at keeping the current Terrebonne schools superintendent in the post had 1,016 signatures as of 11 a.m. today. Organizers aim to collect 10,000 signatures before the School Board's Feb. 6 meeting, part of a grassroots momentum to force another vote on the school chief's fate.

The move to reappoint schools Superintendent Ed Richard was defeated Jan. 16 by a 4-4 School Board vote; Board Member Roger Dale Dehart was absent. Without a majority of "yes" votes, Richardís contract will expire June 30.

In response, Matthew Ford, a former teacher now working in the oilfield industry, started an online petition titled "Reinstatement of Mr. Ed Richard, Superintendent." The online petition, at www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/114617846, was launched Friday afternoon.

The motive for the petition is frustration, not with the voteís outcome, but with the manner in which it was conducted, Ford said.

"I think they held the vote at a very inopportune time. They could have waited" until all nine board members were present, Ford said. "At least, they should entertain another vote with all the members present."

<p>An online petition aimed at keeping the current Terrebonne schools superintendent in the post had 1,016 signatures as of 11 a.m. today. Organizers aim to collect 10,000 signatures before the School Board's Feb. 6 meeting, part of a grassroots momentum to force another vote on the school chief's fate.</p><p>The move to reappoint schools Superintendent Ed Richard was defeated Jan. 16 by a 4-4 School Board vote; Board Member Roger Dale Dehart was absent. Without a majority of "yes" votes, Richard’s contract will expire June 30.</p><p>In response, Matthew Ford, a former teacher now working in the oilfield industry, started an online petition titled "Reinstatement of Mr. Ed Richard, Superintendent." The online petition, at www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/114617846, was launched Friday afternoon.</p><p></p><p>The motive for the petition is frustration, not with the vote’s outcome, but with the manner in which it was conducted, Ford said.</p><p>"I think they held the vote at a very inopportune time. They could have waited" until all nine board members were present, Ford said. "At least, they should entertain another vote with all the members present."</p>